The Hatters earned a 4-1 win over Colchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly at The Brache on Tuesday afternoon.

Both sides fielded different line-ups in two 60-minute matches – the Town winning the first 2-0 and the second 2-1.

In windy conditions, it wasn’t until the 27th minute that either side threatened when Joe Johnson saw a shot saved by the Colchester keeper.

After a goalless first 30 minutes, George Saville blasted a shot over the bar seven minutes into the second period before Liam Walsh’s rocket was blocked by the visiting defence.

However, the Town were in front on 40 minutes when Jake Richards danced into the box and saw a deflected strike beat the keeper.

As the Hatters continued to dominate, Lasse Nordås acrobatically volleyed wide before Cauley Woodrow, Kal Naismith and Mads Andersen all had chances.

Shortly before the end of the first game, the Town doubled their lead when Nordås expertly guided home Walsh’s right-wing corner at the back post.

It was almost 3-0 when Naismith thumped a header over the bar but the Hatters ended the first game 2-0 to the good.

Early into the second match, the Town conceded when Colchester scored from the spot but the Town wasted no time in responding when Zack Nelson drove into the box and set-up Nahki Wells for a simple first-time finish.

Wells then clipped a shot against the crossbar after more good work by Nelson but 10 minutes later it was 4-1, or 2-1 in this game depending on your outlook, when Milli Alli’s drive from the edge of the box deflected home.

Alli was denied another just before half-time by a good stop from the goalkeeper having been put clear by Wells’ pass.

For the final 30 minutes the Hatters continued to push for more goals. Alfie Doughty saw a free-kick saved while Wells and Alli were both denied in the closing stages.

After a good hour for the two teams, the Town’s next pre-season assignment is a trip to Gillingham on Saturday. We’ll see you then.

First game: Shea, Makosso, Andersen, Naismith, Johnson, Luker, Saville, Walsh, Richards, Woodrow, Nordås.

Second game: Walton, Chigozie, Paternoster, Lonwijk (sub Harris), Walters, Doughty (sub Phillips), Baptiste, Clark, Nelson, Alli, Wells.